Online shopping has become the go-to way to purchase everything from clothing to electronics to household items. But with the rise of e-commerce comes a growing concern: online returns. The rates of returns have skyrocketed, and with that comes a significant environmental impact.
The Alarming Rise of Online Returns
According to recent statistics, online returns in the U.S. are staggering. In 2022 alone, U.S. consumers returned over $800 billion worth of goods. That number is expected to rise to $1.1 trillion by 2024. In fact, around 20-30% of online purchases end up being returned, which is much higher than in-store return rates, which hover around 8-10%.
One of the key drivers of these returns is the ease of shopping online, where consumers can can make impulse purchases without a second thought. While this may seem like a convenient option for consumers, it comes with significant environmental costs.
The Environmental Toll of Returns
The environmental impact of returns is profound. When a product is returned, it often ends up being transported back to the warehouse, repackaged, and sometimes shipped to another customer. This constant cycle of transportation, repackaging, and potential landfill waste has a significant carbon footprint.
According to a report from the National Retail Federation (NRF), reverse logistics (the process of managing returns) generates an estimated 15 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually in the U.S. alone. Additionally, the transportation associated with returns results in around 5 billion pounds of packaging waste each year.
The fashion industry, in particular, is notorious for its high return rates. In fact, apparel has one of the highest return rates in online shopping, with nearly one-third of all online apparel purchases being returned. Unfortunately, many of these returns are unfit for resale, leading to increased waste as the items are discarded or sent to landfills.
What Happens to Returned Products?
When items are returned, many don't make it back onto store shelves. According to a report from Business Insider, about 5 billion pounds of returned goods in the U.S. end up in landfills every year. In some cases, returns that are deemed unsellable are disposed of, especially in industries like fashion, where fast turnover and overproduction are common.
Only about 50% of returned items are restocked for resale, with the rest being either liquidated, recycled, or dumped. This issue is particularly prominent with online shopping, where the logistics of processing returns contribute to both waste and pollution. As returns continue to rise, the environmental costs are growing, making it more important than ever to consider sustainable shopping habits.
Why Gifting Can Increase Returns
Gifting is one of the primary drivers of returns, particularly during the holiday season. This can happen for various reasons—wrong size, color, or simply because the gift doesn't match the recipient's taste. As a result, many people end up dealing with the hassle of exchanging or returning items, contributing to waste and excess shipping.
One of the best solutions to avoid returns is giving your recipient a gift card, so they can choose exactly what they want, in the correct size and color. Gift cards eliminate the uncertainty of picking the right gift and ensure that the recipient gets something they truly value. By giving a gift card to a marketplace like DoneGood, you’re offering a thoughtful and eco-friendly gift without the risk of unnecessary returns, all while supporting sustainable, ethical brands.
How to Minimize Online Returns as a Conscious Consumer
While returns are a part of the online shopping experience, there are steps we can all take to minimize their environmental impact. Here are a few suggestions for shoppers and retailers alike:
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Shop Mindfully
One of the most effective ways to reduce returns is by being more thoughtful about purchases. Try to avoid impulse buys and take the time to read product descriptions carefully, check size charts, and look at reviews. If you're unsure about a product, try reaching out to customer support. -
Consolidate Your Orders
Instead of purchasing multiple sizes or colors and returning the ones you don’t want, try to consolidate your order to just the items you are sure about. If you’re unsure, buy fewer items and get to know the fit and feel before placing a larger order. -
Choose Sustainable Brands
Look for retailers and brands that are committed to sustainability. Some businesses are designing products with durability in mind, offering repair options, or implementing take-back programs to reuse or recycle products instead of discarding them. -
Be a Conscious Returner
If you do need to return an item, be conscious of the way you do it. Some retailers provide more sustainable return options, such as local drop-off points or eco-friendly packaging. Also, try to group your returns into one shipment to cut down on the carbon footprint. -
Buying Someone a Gift? Consider Digital Gift Cards
A great way to avoid returns altogether is by gifting digital gift cards. With DoneGood’s marketplace, a recipient can choose exactly what they want from a selection of ethically-minded, eco-conscious brands. This not only eliminates the hassle of returns but also helps support companies that prioritize sustainability and fair labor practices.
Why a DoneGood Gift Card is the Perfect Solution
If you're unsure what to get for a loved one or want to support eco-conscious brands without the risk of returns, a DoneGood gift card is the perfect solution. With a DoneGood gift card, the recipient can choose from a wide variety of products from companies that prioritize both people and the planet.
DoneGood partners with brands that adhere to high standards of sustainability, fair wages, and ethical practices. From clothing and beauty products to home goods and tech, DoneGood makes it easy for shoppers to support brands that align with their values—without worrying about returns or unnecessary waste.
Final Thoughts
The impact of online returns on the environment is a growing concern, but by being more mindful of our shopping habits, we can reduce waste and carbon emissions. Whether it’s using virtual try-ons, consolidating our orders, or opting for sustainable brands, every small change can make a difference.
Next time you’re looking for the perfect gift, consider a DoneGood gift card. It’s a thoughtful, eco-friendly option that empowers the recipient to make their own choice while supporting businesses that are making the world a better place.
What steps do you take to minimize your online returns? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to browse the DoneGood marketplace for your next conscious shopping spree.
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